Strategically, that’s all he needs to do. The field is half gone, he only got 3 pct in Iowa and is polling at 10 in NH (showing progress), and he still has the GOPe bankrollers behind him if he starts to show some life. SC and NV will be the real tests, and he will likely drop out after Super Tuesday (March 1) if he hasn’t topped double digits yet (which means the GOPe will back their remaining top dog at the time).
The remaining Establishment candidates....
Rubio:
He finished with a nice 3rd place in Iowa and entered NH as the leading Establishment. But a combination of being attaced by all the other Establishment and Cruz followed by Mr Roboto antics at the debate. The translates to POP & FIZZLE. Rubio's smooth talk on the campaign stump has been reduced to memorized speeches.
Jeb:
The early favorite of the Establishment, his last name says Mr Establishment. The leader in BIG MONEY. The undisputed champion of Low Energy. This is getting embarrassing and I would think sooner or later "W" will yank his brother off the stage, if anything to save the family name.
Kasich:
Sorry, at every debate this guy is more annoying to listen too than any other candidate. Likability is a factor and he has none.
Christie:
I half expect Christie to come in 3rd in NH tomorrow and give him a brief glow in the sunshine before he crashes in SC and NV.
This is still a Trump / Cruz race for the GOP, Which means the GOP Establishment, no matter what comes in 3rd place. By the time the establishment forces 3 of those four to drop out so they can consolidate...it will be too late.
No matter what, the Establishment loses.